Lakota Dawn

by Janelle Taylor

  “I am finished. We will ride to find the others.”

  Chase turned to face River’s Edge. He had been so deep in thought that he hadn’t heard the chanting stop or the badger being skinned, for the brave now carried its pelt across one arm. He nodded instead of speaking, his throat feeling oddly constricted by emotion. He mounted and extended his left hand so River’s Edge could grasp his wrist and swing himself up behind him. He glanced toward the fallen horse to see its body mostly covered by scrub-limbs. He understood the brave’s sorrowful mood, for he knew how he.would be feeling if that were his companion lying dead.

  Chase guided his horse in the assigned direction to rendezvous with the other hunters. Perhaps his good deed today would have a favorable effect upon Macha and her parents. Maybe that was a selfish thought, but surely it was only being human.

  Just as Chase suspected, his rescue of River’s Edge did not sit well with Two Feathers; nor did what soon occurred…

  Chapter

  Five

  Chase spottted a large male elk, one with many points to its rack, as it grazed beyond them. With the wind in their favor and with their silence and stealthy movements, the creature had not heard, seen, or smelled them. He got the attention of River’s Edge and motioned to their prey.

  After the two men cautiously dismounted, Chase let his reins dangle to the ground. He knew his well-trained and loyal animal would remain quiet and still. He whispered for River’s Edge to take the lead and told him, “You must shoot your arrow first, for it has been many suns since I held and used this weapon. I will release my shaft after yours leaves your bow.”

  River’s Edge nodded and crept nearer to their target, his weapon at the ready. Using trees, bushes, and other vegetation to conceal their approach, he guided them as close as possible without being overconfident about his stalking skills or carelessly misjudging the creature’s keen senses. When they were within victory range, he halted them and prepared to fire his first shot.

  Chase nocked a shaft and awaited his turn to take action. He—along with River’s Edge—knew one arrow would not bring down an animal of that size; and for certain the wounded beast would take flight as soon as he was struck. He realized their eventual success depended upon the accuracy of their initial strikes, but he also knew triumph hinged upon their stamina and running pace during the ensuing quest to complete their task before the elk escaped beyond their reach, as it could probably survive a single arrow wound, especially if it wasn’t in a vital body area like a lung or the heart. His heart pounded with anticipation.

  River’s Edge aimed and fired, and grasped another arrow as Cloud Chaser released his first one in the blink of the eye behind his. Both shafts embedded themselves in the startled elk, one in a lung and one in the heart. Even so, the huge creature bolted with amazing speed and agility to get out of the vulnerable meadow and into the protective woods.

  “Come. We chase him, my friend!” River’s Edge shouted in elation and took off in pursuit across the lush grass and various-colored wildflowers.

  “Come, Red!” he called out in English, and his sorrel quickly obeyed as Chase ran forward to join the nimble brave. It felt good to be hunting with this particular man, to be out of seclusion, to be trusted to be alone with any Red Shield. He didn’t know why he wasn’t being watched today, as he sensed no other eyes upon him. Also, he didn’t know why he had been paired with the next to the youngest member of the hunting party who didn’t appear to be a seasoned warrior. Yet, the brave could have more prowess than he realized, for surely he was a bowman.

  The two men darted around trees and bushes and leapt over fallen limbs as they followed in the elk’s frantic wake. When the animal paused for a minute and turned its head to check its peril, both men sent second arrows into its hindquarters at almost the same time.

  River’s Edge laughed. “We think the same as hunters, my friend: to injure his legs will slow his pace. He will soon be ours.”

  “You are skilled with your bow and possess much prowess, River’s Edge, and must provide your family with much game and many hides.”

  The brave grinned in pleasure while keeping his gaze locked on his prey and never missing a step in his rapid movments. “That is true, and I thank you for your good words, for they come from a skilled hunter.”

  The elk jerked and stumbled aside following those third and fourth hits, then took off running. While trying to elude his determined predators, one shaft was snapped off midway by a sturdy pine. Two others were shoved backward several times by trees or wriggled by thick bushes, embedded too deeply to be dislodged. Each time the arrows were assailed by something, the extent of the damage to flesh and organs and his pain increased, as did his bleeding.

  Water splashed on Chase’s pants and River’s Edge’s leggings and it soaked boots and moccasins as they crossed a wide but shallow stream, dodging rocks within it. They spooked small animals and flushed birds in passing with the noise they created. Soon both were breathing hard through dry throats and were sweating profusely. Their muscles protested the exertion and their hearts pounded from the summer heat.

  For a while, their target remained in view; then it was engulfed by dense trees and other greenery and was lost from sight and hearing. Using the creature’s tracks and blood drippings, they continued to search for him.

  “He slows his pace,” River’s Edge deduced as he studied changes in depth and shape of its tracks. “We will find him soon.”

  The exhausted and weakened elk looked wobbly when they came upon him in a small clearing in the forest, and halted to avoid provoking it to bolt again. Both studied its depleted condition and concluded its flight was over. Blood saturated its rib cage and flowed down its foreleg and hindquarters. Hearing their approach, it lifted its head and tried to make threatening signals with its sharp-tipped rack and warning sounds from a throat obstructed by blood. With haste and mercy, it was slain by River’s Edge.

  A winded River’s Edge looked at Chase and grinned before he removed three still usable arrows and the broken shaft. The stone tip was recoverable, and as he did so, he remarked, “He is large and was strong. He has many antler points and a good hide. He will supply many people with meat. We must thank him for his sacrifice to us and the Great Spirit for placing him in our path and giving us the skills to take him.”

  As soon as those words of gratitude were spoken in prayerful form, River’s Edge said, “We must summon our companions.” He faced each direction and called out in a loud voice. He listened, but did not hear a reply. “If they do not come when we finish our work, we will find them.”

  While they waited for the others, they strung up the elk to a strong branch, with the sorrel helping them lift the heavy burden before the rope was secured to that same tree. River’s Edge passed his blade across the animal’s neck to finish bleeding it. Then he began the skinning and gutting procedure, with Chase helping him as needed.

  “You found great victory, my friend,” a smiling War Eagle praised River’s Edge as he and the others entered the small clearing.

  River’s Edge paused in his familiar task and grinned broadly. “That is true. We wounded, chased, and slayed him together. He ran far before taking his last breath. We took him down with two arrows each.”

  War Eagle noted the man’s use of “we” and cast his brother a sideways glance. He was relieved there had been no trouble, and felt great pride in Cloud Chaser’s behavior and participation in the kill. He had been told to give Cloud Chaser the opportunity to escape and, if he took it, he and Swift Otter were to trail him to his destination while the others returned to camp. Wind Dancer also had told him not to shadow their brother during the hunt, for he had detected their presence the last time and would not take action this day knowing he was being watched. He was glad his brother had not fled or endangered River’s Edge, and was happy the brave’s opinion of Cloud Chaser was so favorable.

  “We join you empty-handed, my friend, for we crossed paths with no game we wanted o
n this sun,” War Eagle said. “We found your marks and those of the bleeding elk’s upon Mother Earth and followed them. Where is your horse? There were tracks of only one during your pursuit, those of Cloud Chaser’s mount. We did not know what to think until we saw the prints of your moccasins and his tracks together. We followed them to this place.”

  Unwanted thoughts thundered across Chase’s mind: Were you afraid I had slain him, little brother, and was trying to escape? I doubt Two Feathers would have minded his loss if it meant my defeat! How did you feel when you realized he was still alive and with me? Glad or disappointed? Don’t think crazy thoughts, Chase, he reprimanded himself, and read War Eagle wrong.

  River’s Edge took a breath, his expression one of sadness. In a ragged tone, he related the episodes with the badger and his beloved animal. “Your brother did a great deed for me. Bad badgers can rip out a man’s throat. Cloud Chaser saved me from harm and death. He took the life of my companion when it pained my heart to do so. He sent him to the Ghost Trail with swiftness and mercy.”

  As if to flee that tormenting thought, River’s Edge hurried on to relate, “Cloud Chaser gave me the first arrow shot, for he has not used a bow in many suns, but he has not lost his skill with it. He injured and slowed the badger with one arrow and attacked him without fear. He is a good hunter.”

  War Eagle was impressed by the man’s news and grateful for the glowing remarks about his brother. It seemed obvious that River’s Edge did not resent being paired with him; if the brave had been insulted or riled at first, that feeling had been vanquished. He looked at Cloud Chaser and said, “I thank you for saving our friend. It was a large and good deed.”

  Chase nodded appreciation to his brother, assuming War Eagle dared not say more before the others. As he had spoken his kind words, he saw Two Feathers scowling in irritation. And perhaps…jealousy? He looked at his other cousin and read what he thought were esteem and amazement in Broken Lance’s eyes. When he nodded and smiled, the youngest party member averted his gaze. At least I’m winning a few people’s respect and approval, even if they don’t want to display it.

  “We have much work to do,” War Eagle said, and gave his orders.

  While the elk was being butchered, the rest of the hunting party gathered fallen limbs and constructed a pull-along for hauling the meat to camp. After it was loaded with the chunks, haunches, hide, rack, and badger pelt, the travois was attached to Broken Lance’s horse to prevent overburdening any mount, for his size was the smallest and lightest.

  “All is done here,” War Eagle said. “We head for camp.”

  “You ride with me,” Two Feathers told River’s Edge.

  “Thank you, my friend, but I will return to camp with my hunting companion for this sun,” he replied, and leapt up behind Chase.

  Dreading that that bold choice might cause another quarrel, War Eagle quickly said, “We go. Come, my friends and brother.”

  Chase refused to even steal a peek at his cousin, for he could imagine the man’s outrage, and his action might be taken as a taunt and be used as an excuse to verbally or even physically attack him. He was pleased by the kindness of River’s Edge and hoped it didn’t make trouble for the brave. He also hoped War Eagle’s actions and words prior to leaving camp didn’t cause problems for him with his family and people. If so, the two people, not including Hanmani and Macha, whom he was getting to the fastest, would make hasty retreats. Chase reasoned that maybe the best way to become a Red Shield member again was by worming his way into people’s hearts one by one, inch by inch, and day by day.

  They reached the edge of camp by midafternoon as weary, sweaty, dusty, and hungry men, but most were in elated spirits. After thanking him again, River’s Edge slid off the back of Chase’s horse to walk beside Broken Lance to where the travois would halt at his family’s dwelling. Once there, River’s Edge would choose the portion of the elk he desired as befitted the beast’s slayer, and remove other items which belonged to him from the two kills. Afterward, War Eagle—as band leader—would be given second choice, and so forth until the haul was divided fairly amongst the hunters, except for Cloud Chaser.

  As River’s Edge headed homeward, the others continued onward to various dismounting areas, some near their tepees and others in the edge of the forest. After parting with Swift Otter and Two Feathers, War Eagle guided Chase to Rising Bear’s rope enclosure. Two young braves hurried forward and offered to tend their horses, as that was considered a generous deed.

  Chase was glad his cousin’s horse was picketed elsewhere, as he was more than ready to avoid the man’s foul mood and hateful glares. He stroked his mount’s neck and forehead after unsaddling him. He smiled at one timid boy and said in Lakota, “He is called Red, but you must say his name in English, for he does not understand it in your tongue, which is Luta. If you stroke him while I am nearby, he will become your friend and allow you to take him for a walk to cool off and to the river to drink.”

  The hesitant boy looked at War Eagle for permission to do that task. Visitors’ horses were always tended with eagerness and great care, but he did not know what the rank and acceptance were for this strange man.

  War Eagle nodded, then furtively observed the interaction between his brother and the horse and the young boy. He was amused by the child’s attempts to speak the animal’s name, as he had difficulty with the unfamiliar “R” sound. He grinned in affection when the boy succeeded and the horse seemed to nod its head in greeting and approval. Following a few strokes with his brother’s hand almost touching the youth’s, the horse readily accepted the boy’s handling and went calmly with him to the river.

  “He is a good horse. Has he been your companion for many seasons?”

  “Yes, my brother, for the passings of six circles of them. I called him Red after the name of my people’s band and for his color. I thank you for taking me on your hunt this sun and for trusting me alone with River’s Edge. It was a good journey. Do I return to where I camp?”

  War Eagle looked past Chase, whose back was to the camp, and saw Wind Dancer motioning in sign language. He was confused by the order he received in secret, but obeyed it. “Come to our father’s tepee to speak.”

  Chase hoped the uses of “my brother” and “our father,” the hunting event today, and now a visit with his father were promising signs. He would know soon, he told himself as they reached Rising Bear’s tepee, an abode highly and colorfully decorated with the numerous coups of his father. He knew Broken Lance had come and gone with the travois when he saw Winona and Hanmani preparing War Eagle’s portion of today’s kill, but neither female looked at him. He found Wind Dancer already present inside the dwelling, so he assumed this meeting was preplanned for when—and perhaps if—he returned with the hunters. He took the same position as the one on his first visit. “Hau, Ate; ake iyuskinyan wancinyankelo.” He watched Rising Bear only nod to his genial greeting and assertion he was glad to see him again. His attention drifted to Wind Dancer, who became the apparent spokesman again, as his own good mood began to dissipate. This time, all spoke in the Lakota tongue.

  “As I passed the tepee of Leaning Tree, I heard River’s Edge telling his father and mother about a badger attack and the slain elk. Tell us what happened,” he coaxed his youngest brother.

  War Eagle related in detail the stimulating events during their hunt, filling him with renewed elation and a strong sense of family pride. Later, in private, he would reveal to Wind Dancer the prior confrontation between his second brother and their cousin. He finished with, “Cloud Chaser is skilled and brave. He obeyed my orders on this hunt.”

  “That is what his two deeds tell us. You did not flee on this sun.”

  Chase eyed Wind Dancer as he attempted to ascertain the man’s true meaning. “Why would I want to leave the only family I have or our people? I will do so only if I am slain, captured, or sent away by our father.”

  “Does the yearning to finish your testing still beat within your heart and fi
ll your head?” Wind Dancer asked, sensing a troubled spirit nearby, and he could not fault his brother’s anger if the man was not a trickster.

  Chase looked at Rising Bear and his warring mind shouted, Why won’t you speak to me? I’m not a prisoner or an enemy or a stranger; I’m your son! His bruised heart ached in anguish and his mind reeled in frustration and disappointment. Let’s see if I can provoke you into talking to me. But do it carefully, Chase, he told himself, or you’ll spoil everything you’ve accomplished so far, which isn’t much. Watch your tone and expressions. Don’t be smart-mouthed or sullen. He asked with all of the sincerity he could muster, “What must I say and do to earn the forgiveness of my father and people for being born half white and for being stolen as a boy and reared by Whites? I cannot change the past. I cannot change my looks or what I am, for the Great Spirit created me this way. For what purpose, I do not know. I will do any task or test you choose to become a Red Shield and son again. I will purify myself in the sweat lodge. I will go on a vision-quest. I will fight or race any warrior you choose. You can test my skills with weapons. I will surrender to the Sun Dance Ceremony, though I do not believe this is the time to do so. I will endure sun-staking.” Anything, Chase vowed. Just allow me to reenter the band. Only as a member can I truly prove myself to my family and save Dawn from Two Feathers.